Prep Time: 30 minutesCook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours (simmering enhances flavor)Total Time: ~2.5 hoursServes: 6–8Difficulty: ModerateCuisine: Italian-American comfort food  Ingredients For the Meatballs: 1 lb ground beef (85/15) ½ lb ground pork (or use all beef if preferred) ½ cup breadcrumbs ¼ cup milk ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 large egg 2 garlic…

Prep Time: 15 minutesRest/Rise Time: 1–2 hours (or overnight for cold fermentation)Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutesYield: 1 lb of dough (makes one 12–14″ pizza or two smaller ones)Difficulty: EasyBest for: Pizza, calzones, stromboli, garlic knots  Ingredients 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet) 1 tsp sugar (or honey) 1 cup warm water (110°F /…

Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 25–30 minutesTotal Time: ~45 minutesServings: 18–24 bitesDifficulty: EasyBest served: Warm or at room temperaturePerfect for: Appetizers, snacks, brunches, or garden parties Ingredients For the Roasted Tomatoes: 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth) 1/2 teaspoon sugar Salt and black…

Prep Time: 20 minutesBake Time: 45–50 minutesTotal Time: ~1 hour 10 minutesServings: 6–8Difficulty: EasyType: Warm DessertBest served with: Custard, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream  Ingredients  For the Rhubarb Base: 3 cups chopped fresh rhubarb (about 4–5 stalks) 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening juices)  For the…

Prep Time: 20 minutesCook Time: 12–15 minutesTotal Time: 35 minutes (plus dough rise if making from scratch)Yield: 1 large 12–14″ pizza (serves 2–4)Difficulty: Easy to ModerateCuisine: Italian-American Ingredients For the Pizza Dough (or use pre-made dough) 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet) 1 cup warm water (110°F / 45°C) 2½–3 cups all-purpose or bread…

Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 10 minutesTotal Time: 20 minutesServings: 2–3Difficulty: Easy to ModerateCuisine: Coastal European / Modern American Ingredients For the Scallops: 1 lb sea scallops (about 12 large), dry-packed preferred Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil (grapeseed, canola, or avocado oil) For the Sauce: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 2…

Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 25 minutesTotal Time: 40 minutesServings: 4Difficulty: Easy to ModerateCuisine: Southern Italian (Pugliese-inspired) Overview This traditional dish from Puglia, Italy, is built on bold flavors and rustic ingredients. The chewy, ear-shaped orecchiette pasta perfectly cradles spicy crumbles of Italian sausage, while bitter broccoli rabe (also called rapini) adds a slightly peppery…

Prep Time: 20 minutesCook Time: 30 minutesTotal Time: 50 minutesServings: 4Difficulty: ModerateCuisine: Italian-American Overview Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, features tender chicken breasts breaded and pan-fried to a golden crisp, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s served over pasta, in a sandwich, or alongside a green salad. This…

Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 10–15 minutesChill Time: 2 hoursTotal Time: 2 hours 30 minutesServings: 6–8Difficulty: Very Easy Overview Rhubarb Fluff Salad is a creamy, fluffy dessert salad made with stewed rhubarb, whipped topping, mini marshmallows, and sometimes strawberry gelatin or crushed pineapple. It’s light, sweet-tart, and easy to prepare—perfect for rhubarb season and summer…

Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 20–25 minutes (baked) or 10–15 minutes (fried)Total Time: 30–35 minutesYield: 1 round loaf or 6–8 wedgesDifficulty Level: EasyDietary Info: Dairy-optional, egg-free, nut-free Overview Raisin Bannock is a simple, hearty quick bread traditionally made with flour, baking powder, and water or milk. This version adds raisins for a touch of natural…